UN Warns of Ongoing Famine in Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

- Introduction with the IPC warning - Details on the thresholds met - Impact of blockade and military actions - Data from UN agencies and Hamas - Israel's response and measures - IPC's requirements for official famine declaration - Quotes from UN officials and agencies - Conclusion on calls for ceasefire and aid Need to be careful with dates and numbers to ensure accuracy. Also, maintain the urgency and severity conveyed in the original. Use active voice where possible and avoid passive constructions unless necessary. Check for any redundancies and streamline the information flow. Let me start drafting each section, making sure to paraphrase and structure the content logically. Use

for main headings,

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for key terms. Ensure that all the points from the original are covered but presented in a new way. TITLE: UN Warns of Ongoing Famine in Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis EXCERPT: A UN-backed report reveals two key famine indicators—extreme food shortages and acute malnutrition—have been surpassed in parts of Gaza, urging immediate ceasefire and aid to prevent mass starvation. CATEGORY: World News TAGS: Gaza, Famine, UN, Israel, Humanitarian Crisis BODY:

UN-Backed Experts Confirm Critical Famine Thresholds Breached in Gaza

Global food security experts supported by the United Nations have issued a dire warning that famine conditions are actively emerging in the Gaza Strip. The latest assessment by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) highlights extreme food consumption gaps and acute malnutrition rates that meet internationally recognized famine thresholds, particularly in Gaza City and surrounding areas.

Mounting Evidence of Starvation and Malnutrition

The IPC report states that "widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease" are fueling a surge in hunger-related deaths across the densely populated territory, home to 2.1 million Palestinians. Over 20,000 children were admitted to clinics for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July, with more than 3,000 classified as severely malnourished. Hospitals report at least 16 child deaths linked to malnutrition since July 17, signaling a catastrophic collapse in basic survival conditions.

Blockade Worsens Crisis Despite Partial Easing

Israel’s total blockade on humanitarian and commercial supplies, imposed in early March, has exacerbated the situation even after limited easing of restrictions. While the country claims no starvation exists and recently introduced "tactical pauses" in military operations and aid corridors, ground conditions remain perilous. The UN documented over 1,000 civilians killed while seeking aid, underscoring the risks of distribution efforts under ongoing conflict.

Thresholds for Famine Declaration

The IPC criteria for a formal famine declaration include:

• 20% of households in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), marked by extreme hunger and depleted coping mechanisms.
• 30% of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
• 2 deaths per 10,000 people daily due to starvation or malnutrition-related disease.

While the report stops short of officially declaring famine, it stresses that analysis is underway. In May, the IPC had already flagged 22% of Gaza’s population in Phase 5, with Gaza City now reaching acute malnutrition thresholds.

International Agencies Demand Immediate Action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the "humanitarian catastrophe" unfolding in Gaza, urging a flood of aid to surpass the current "trickle." The World Food Programme (WFP) and Unicef emphasized that collecting data on starvation-related deaths is nearly impossible as health systems remain shattered. Israel continues to deny culpability, maintaining it has no restrictions on aid, though its military operations and access barriers are widely criticized by UN agencies.

Call for Ceasefire as Death Toll Rises

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 147 malnutrition-related deaths since October 2023, including 88 children. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted 63 such deaths this month alone, with most victims showing "clear signs of severe wasting." WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain labeled delays in aid distribution "unconscionable," demanding unrestricted deliveries to avert further loss of life.

"None of this is possible unless there is a ceasefire," the IPC alert stressed, echoing global appeals to halt hostilities and prioritize civilian safety.

Experts Warn of Unprecedented Suffering

The IPC report underscores that sustained bombardment and ground operations since May have devastated infrastructure and displaced millions, leaving food access "alarmingly erratic." With hospitals overwhelmed and supply chains disrupted, agencies warn that even partial measures are insufficient to address the scale of suffering. The international community faces mounting pressure to act as evidence of starvation mounts.